Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

When I came to Virginia Tech I expected to be a number, not a name in most, if not all of my classes. Instead I found that, once you get into your major and away from the classes that all freshmen are required to take, classes become small and personal. I have forged relationships with teachers that have encouraged me to take classes with them over and over again. Even in large classes, if you go to your professors office hours and a semi-regular basis they will get to know you and can help you with anything you need. Some of my favorite classes are the workshop or discussion based classes that you can take starting sophomore year where, instead of sitting in nice neat rows facing the front of the classroom, you move the desks into a circle so everyone can see and talk to each other. In those situations everyone becomes the teacher and the actual professor is there to learn just as you are. Those types of classes promote intellectual discussion and a personal openness that I have never experienced before in an academic setting. No matter what your major, if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with personal relationships, stimulating discussion, and unparalleled experience.

As an English Literature and Creative Writing major, I have a unique academic experience. Unlike many of my friends, I have very individual attention from my professors. My class sizes are fairly small, especially my creative writing classes which have been as few as twelve. My favorite class is Creative Writing: Poetry with Nikki Giovanni. Having the opportunity to be taught by such a distinguished poet as Nikki has been a great blessing. The class is offered Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 am, which would typically be a burden for me, as I am not a morning person. However, I look forward to attending. Class participation is very common in my courses and if often factored into the grade. The most unique class I've taken is African Religions. It introduced me to a very different way of looking at the world, politics, religion, and people. The education at Virginia Tech is geared toward whatever you want to do. There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus and various career services available for students.

I've had somewhat of a different college experience than most.. As a fourth year interior design student in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, my years in studio have involved close, personal relationships with both my professors and classmates. With only 30 people in my graduating design class, it is impossible not to be friends. The countless hours spent together in studio has not only cultivated my level of creativity and design techniques, but formed friendships that will last forever. Though it may sound cliche, it's the honest truth.

HARD! I went from being an AP student in high school to almost failing out my freshman year. The first year classes were really tough but once I got more into the classes in my major, I did much better and ended up even making Dean's List my last few semesters. My favorite class of all time was a wine tasting class with Bruce Z. I thought it would be an 'easy A' but there was lots of chemistry and memorization involved --but I learned a ton and really enjoyed it--especially after I switched it to a pass/fail option :-) Indoor plants was pretty neat, too, though the Latin names of plants were a bit tricky for an easy A Class!

School is ver challenging.

The professors here actually care and will make it very easy for you to get extra help if you need it. They definitely make an effort to know your name or at least remember your face. Late night cram sessions at the Math Emporium (Club E, to a select few) involve just about everyone you know hanging out at the computer workstation all night studying together and partly socializing. It's great to have someone there you can bounce an idea off of. Even though we are competitive students, we all work together to help develop each others ideas. We want to do well, but we want to see others do well too. VT has a great academic reputation among prospective employers, so most of us aren't worried about getting a job so much as learning what we can while we are here having a good time.

I think my only complaint about VT is the lack of ability to try out different classes and really learn what you want to. My sister goes to Penn State and they are allowed to start taking classes and if they don't like them or feel it wasn't what they expected are able to drop up to 13 credits worth and take classes that begin halfway through the semester to be full time students. I think that is a great way to encourage finding your passion in life

There are a variety of classes that are taught in a variety of ways. All the professors that i have had have been easy to talk to and there for help when you need it. they seem dedicated to educating.

Academics are like Junior Varisty sports here. Everyone tries, but half of us give it 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} because we are trying to get to the next level. The coursework is competitive. Some of the classes are very large and some of the classes are very small. Some professors know you by name, and some ask for your ID number. Your major also determines how competitive school is for you here. We have very challenging progams: engineering, architecture, pre-med, finance, etc. There is a major here for anyone. You will never feel limited in your choices. Education here is neither geared towards getting a job or learning for one's one sake. Instead, our motto is Ut Prosim: "That I may serve." Our education is geared towards helping our community, country, and world; and in turn helping ourselves.

I don't think professors always know their students names but i feel that it would be difficult for them to know everyone in classes that are 100 of students big.